Spotify is testing new video features for audiobooks, expanding beyond its recent push into video podcasts. This update introduces several key enhancements for premium users:

Key Features:

• 30-second video clips from authors
• Behind-the-scenes footage
• Author interviews
• "Follow Along" feature with illustrations and photos
• Dedicated Author Pages
• Built-in Sleep Timer

The video enhancement allows authors and publishers to add 30-second clips to their audiobooks, providing additional context or personal messages to listeners. The "Follow Along" feature displays visuals where the book cover typically appears, creating a more immersive reading experience.

These features are currently:

• Mobile-only
• Available to select authors and publishers
• Accessible to premium users in US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Luxembourg

The Sleep Timer function lets users set automatic stop times, particularly useful for those with hour-based listening subscriptions. This expansion into video content aligns with Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's strategy to compete with YouTube in the video content space, following increased video consumption on the platform.

Author Pages, similar to Artist Pages, provide dedicated profiles showcasing an author's background, bibliography, and related content, making it easier for users to explore their complete works.

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